Washing machine



July 16, 1940.

WITNESSES: 56.70%

L. L. sHAwBER ET'AL WASHING MACHINE Filed April 28, 1938 3 Sheets-Shet 1 INVENTOR 5 Lloyd L. JZaauerd July 16, 9 L. L. SHAW'BER Er AL WASHING MACHINE 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 d a M 4 mwm v m 6 8 00 .E B 4 M n m Amy M Mi J mg Filed April 28, 1938 WITNESSES: OW 22% y 1940- L. L. SHAWBER ET AL WASHING MACHINE Filed April 2 8, 1958 5 Sheets-$heet I5 a S R& m H m? N N R E A 0 Vwn T m m MB s M b L WITNE K96 0 Patented July 16, 1940 WASHING MACHINE Lloyd L. Shawber and Frank Breckenridge, Mansfield, Ohio, assignors to Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company, East Pittsburgh, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application April 28, 193s, Serial No. 204,712

8 Claims. (01. 219-38) duced by natural heat losses due to radiation and conduction. Such lowering of temperature greatly reduces the washing efficiency of the machine. However, if the temperature of the water and wash-load be maintained at the desired value, the efficiency of the washing machine is greatly increased.

It is, therefore, an object of our invention to provide a heater. which may be readily placed within the washing machine without harming the washing action thereof and which is capable of readily maintaining the wash-load and water at the desired eflicient washing temperature.

A further object of our invention is to provide a removably attachable washing machine water heater which may be readily secured to the side or the washing machine tub.

A further object of our invention is to provide a method of rigidly attaching the washing machine heater to the inner surface of the washing machine tub wall without drilling any additional holes therethrough or changing the construction of the machine in any manner.

A further Object of our invention is to provide a Washing machine heater adapted to be rigidly attached to the tub by means of the wringer post bolts which are used to attach the tub to the wringer post.

A further object of our invention is to provide a Washing machine heater including a perforated shield rigidly attached thereto adapted to prevent contact with the heating element thereof and to permit the free passage of water therethrough.

A further object of our invention isto provide an immersion type washing machine heater which may be easily and readily attached to and removed from the inner wall of a washing machine tub without any rigid permanent mechanical connection therewith.

A still further object of our invention is to provide a water heater adapted for mounting within a washing tub and having a thermalresponsive device operatively associated therewith for protecting the water heater against dry operation, limiting the maximum temperature 5 during such operation and for maintaining a in the several figures.

predetermined water temperature when associated with a wash-load.

Other objects of our invention will either be pointed out specifically in the course of the following description of a device embodying our in- 5 vention, or will be apparent from such description.

Like reference characters indicate like parts In the accompanying drawings,

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine and a heater embodying our invention attached thereto, certain parts being broken away for clearness;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary view, partially in elevation and partially in section, of a portion of the washing machine and heater showing a method of attaching the heater to the tub wall and the wringer post;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the heating device embodying our invention, taken along line III- III of Fig. 4;

' Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line IVIV of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a partial plan and sectional view of a portion of the washing machine tub and heating element showing a-modified manner of attaching such heater to the tub;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line VIVI of Fig. 5; and

Fig. '7 is a view similar to Fig. 6 showing an additional method of attaching the heater to the side of the tub.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, we show a washing machine l0, an electric fluid or water heater i2 including a heating element l4,' a supporting base IS, a thermostat l1 and a perforated shield l8,-which prevents direct contact of the clothes with the element H but permits the free passage of water therethrough. The heater I2 is in this instance attached to the washing machine in by means of wringer post bolts 20, but vacuum cups 22 or spring clips 24 may be employed, as hereinafter described.

The washing machine I0, which may be of any type or design desired, is shown as including a tub 26, a central agitator 21, a wringer post 30, wringer drive shaft 32 and a suitable driving motor 29, operatively associated therewith. The tub 2B is rigidly attached to the wringer post 30 by means of wringer post bolts in a manner well known to the art, substantially as shown in Fig. 2. It is to be understood that the wash- I ing machine may be either a wringer type or a spinner type, or may be merely a washing tub.

However, the preferred form of heater is to be used with a washing machine having a wringer post or one having bolts already in the tub walls thereof.

The electric fluid or water heater It. includes an immersion type heating element -l4. The heating element I 4, in this instance, comprises a tubular member having a resistance coil I3 located the central portion thereof. The resistance coil I3 is suitably insulated from the outer sheath I5 by means of insulating material I3a in any suitable manner. However, it is to be understood that the heating element l4 may be of any immersion type heater known to the art which is capable of maintaining the temperature of the water and wash-load, located within the washing machine, at a predetermined desired value, and the capacity thereof is such that it may be satisfactorily connected, with the washing machine, to a common power receptacle located in a wall or elsewhere. -Theheating element I4 is rigidly attached to the supporting base structure l6 by being welded thereto, as shown by 34. Suitable terminals 42 extend from the ends of the heating element l4 and project into the base I6 substantially as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. The terminals 42 of the heating element I4 are then in a position to be readily operatively associated with a suitable flexible conductor 35, within the base I6, as hereinafter described.

The base I6,. as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, includes a main tubular portion 36 having an upper exteriorly threaded portion 31, and a plurality of angularly protruding portions or wings 38, either integral with the tubular portion 36 or rigidly attached thereto. These wings 38 are curved longitudinally substantially the same amount as the inner surface of the tub 26, as shown in greater detail in Fig. 5. By having the wings 38 curved in such a manner, it is apparent that the base I6 will fit tightly against and may be rigidly attached to the inner surface of the tub wall. Apertures II!v are positioned in the wings 38 to permit cooperation with wringer post. bolts 28, as shown in Fig. 2. However, if it be desired, the wings or protruding portions 38 may be omitted from the supporting base I6 if and when it be desired-to use the vacuum cups 22 or clips 24 to support the heating element, as hereinafter described.

The thermostat or thermal-responsive device I1 is positionedwithin the tubular portion 36 of base I6 and cooperatively associated with terminals 42 of heater l4 and conductor 35, substantially as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. A tubular insulating shield 44 should be positioned along the inner surface of the tubular portion 36 to properly'insulate the terminals 42, the open end of conductor 35 and thermostat l1 therefrom' The thermostat l1 may be of any adjustable or preadjusted type desired, preferably constituting a bimetallic strip l3, a stationary contact 2|, and a movable contact 23 as shown in Fig. 4. How'- ever, it is preferred that such thermostat be small enough to be readily positioned within base It .and of such size and capacity as to readily conates with packing nut 48.

The thermostat l1 being of any adjustable or preadiusted type desired, will regulate the operations of heater l4 so that the temperature of the water and wash-load located within the washing machinetub 26 will be maintained at the predetermined desired temperature.

In addition, the thermostat I1, associated with the base l6, will protect the heater against con tinued dry operation. This will be ensured inasmuch as the heat developed by the heater will be conveyed to the thermostat through base I6, which, in turn, will disconnect the heater from the power supply at a predetermined temperature value, whether there is water around the heater or not. In a similar manner, the thermostat I1 will maintain the wash-load and water associated therewith at a predetermined temperature value.

Itis, therefore, obvious that the thermostat I1 operatively'associated with the water and washload, and water-heater, will protect such heater against dry operation, will limit the maximum temperature thereof during such operation, and will maintain a predetermined water temperature when associated, with a wash-load.

Inasmuch. as the water heater I2 is to be located withinthe washer tub 26 and the top portion theref may be subjected to splashing of the washing fluid, it is important that a water-tight seal be maintained about the conductor 35 at the upper end of the supporting base I6. This watertight seal is maintained by the cooperative action of a packing gasket-46, preferably rubber, and a packing nut 48, which is threadedly-engaged with the threaded portion 31 of the base IS. The upper end of packing gasket 46 should extend along the cord 35 such-distance that it will project outside the tub 26, substantially as shown in Figs. 2 and]. A washer 50 should be placed upon the upper end of the supporting base I6, adjacent to or on top of packing washer5l, to cooperate with the rubber packing gasket 46 and to center the conductor 35in the tubular portion 36 of base I6.

The water-tight seal is efiected by positioning the gasket 46 upon the conductor 35 and within supported washer 58 whereby the tapered co-.

operating surfaces of the gasket 46 and nut 48 cause the inner surface of the basket to be tightened .against the cable 35. It, therefore, follows that the further down the packing nut 48 be screwed on the threaded portion 31, the tighter this cooperative action between the nut 48, gasket 46 and conductor 35, will be, which in turn produces an adequate water-tight seal between the conductor 35 and the base It. I

The gasket washer 5i, positioned between base I6 and washer 50, is also compressed between the two members, effecting a water-tight seal therebetween. This is ap additional precaution to prevent moisture rpm entering the base 16 along the threaded portion thereof which cooper-.

It will be understood, however, that any other suitable water-tight seal for the heating element may be employed.

The shield I8 is preferably formed from perforated sheet metal. The perforations 25 are of such size as to 'prevent the clothing placed within the washer from passing therethrough, but to permit the free passage of the water therethrough. The smooth configuration of the shield I8 is such that it doesnot contact the heater I4 and will notdeter the washing operations of the washing machine III in any manner whatsoever.

In the preferredconstruc'tion, the perforated shield I8 is positioned about the heating element I4 and base I6 as the water heater I2 is rigidly attached to the tub 26 by means of wringer post bolts 20. The bolts 28 are inserted through apertures M in the shield I8 and aperture 40 in the wings or protruding portions of base I6, and then through the tub- 26 to draw the shield I8, base I6 and tub 26 tightly against the wringer post 30. The bolts 28, therefore, rigidly attach the heater I2 to the inner surface of the tub 26 withoutany additional clips or holding devices, and without changing the shape or drilling additional holes in the side of the tub wall. With the heater I2 attached to the inner surface of the washing machine tub 26 in such a manner, it is apparent that the heater I2 may be rigidly attached thereto at any time, whether it be done at the shop or in the field.

With the perforated shield I8 rigidly attached to and positioned over the base I6 and heating element I4, it is obvious that any clothes positioned within the tub 26 or the person of an operator of such machine, cannot come in direct contact with the heating element l4 so as to burn or injure either the clothes or the operator. In addition, the perforations located in the shield I8 permit the ready passage of the washing fluid therethrough so as to maintain the temperature thereof at the predetermined set value of the thermostat II.

It will be appreciated that the washing action of the agitator 21 causes a continual flow of water past the heater body I4, so that the temperature of the main body of water is maintained substantially the same as that of the water immediately in contact with the heater body, whereby a proper setting of the thermostat maintains the desired temperature in the mainbody of wate'r. I

If desired, the heater I2 may be removably attached to the inner surface of the washing machine tub wall 26 through the use of spring clamps or clips 24 rigidly attached to the heater I2. The spring clamps 24, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, are of an elongated distorted U-shape, having one end thereof rigidly attached to the base 'I6 with the other end adapted to be positioned over the top of the tub along the outside wall thereof. The clamps 24 are attached to the wings or protruding portions 38 of the base I6 by means of screws 54 which are operatively associated with apertures 40; However, if desired, the clamps 24 may be rigidly attached to base I6 by welding, or in any other manner. The'perforated shield I8 may be positioned over the base I6 in a manner as hereinabove described, with the apertures 4I thereof in line with apertures 48 of the base I6. The spring clips 24 are then positioned in line with apertures 48 and M and the set screws 54 inserted through the clips 24, shield I8 and operatively engaged with the base I6. The screw 54 will then rigidly attach the shield I8 and clips 24 to the base I6. A rubber washer or padding 52 may be located on the inner surface of the other or free end of the spring clips 24 to cooperate with the outer surface of the tub 26 and to prevent the clips 24 from marring such surface.

With a heater and spring clips arranged in such a manner, it is a simple matter for an operator to position the water heater within the tub by merely biasing the free ends of the clips 24 outwardly over the outer edge of the tub 26 and forcing the heater down inside the tub. The spring clips 24 will then draw the heater I2 tightly against the inner side wall of the tub, whereas the rubber padding 52 will prevent the clip from marring the outer surface of the tub. If desired, an additional rubber padding 53 may be placed upon the inner surface of the supporting base I6 to prevent the heater I2 from marring the inner surface of the tub. (This rubber padding 53 may, of course, be applied to all modifications of the heater.)

If desired, the heater I2 may be removably attached to the inner surface of the washing machine tub 26 by means of a plurality of vacuum cups 22, one of which is shown in Fig. '7. These cups 22 are associated with the supporting base I6 so as to adequately support the heater, and, if desired, one or more additional cups 220. may be attached to the lower end of the shield I8 as an additional support. With the use of the vacuum cups, it becomes necessary to rigidly attach the perforated shield I8 to the base I6 in an additional manner, inasmuch as the protruding portionsor wings 38 of base I6 may be eliminated. Accordingly, it is preferred that the shield I8 be rigidly attached to the packing nut 48 by means of a plurality of screws 56 substantially as shown in Fig. 7. However, it is to be understood that the shield I8 may be rigidly attached to the base I6 in any desired manner.

The vacuum cups 22 and 22a are rigidly attached to the shield I8 by means of screws 58' and 66, respectively. The upper vacuum cup 22 is attached to the shield I8 by. means of the screw 58, whereas the lower vacuum cup 22 is rigidly attached to the shield I8 through the use of a sleeve 62 and screw 68. The vacuum cups 22 may then rigidly attach the water heater I2, including the shield I8 and base I6, to the inner surface of the tub 26 by-having the operator merely place the heater in the desired position and press thereagainst, whereby the air within the vacuum cups will be expelled, in accordance with well-known principles, causing such cups to tightly adhere to the inner tub surface and retaining the heater in the desired position.-

It, therefore, follows that when using a water heater embodying our invention with a washing machine or washing tub, such heater through the cooperative action of a suitable power supply (not shown) and the thermostat [1, will maintain the water temperature at the desired value by adding thereto the amount of heat lost due to the introduction of the clothing to the water and the loss of heat due to conduction and radiation therefrom. The heater will then, through the use of the thermostat, maintain the water temperature at substantially a constant desirable value, insuring a maximum efficiency of operation of the washing machine.

It is to be understood that any removable immersion heater attachable to the sides of the washing tub to maintain the water temperature at a predetermined value, whether removably I or rigidly attached thereto, are to be included as equivalents of the device embodying our invention.

Variousfurther modifications may be made in the device embodying our invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and

we desire, therefore, that only such limitations shall be placed thereon as are imposed by the prior art and the appended claims.

We claim as our invention:

1. A washing machine comprising, in combination, a washing tub including an upstanding wall, a post. means for connectingthe tub to the post, a fluid heater for supplying heat to a washing fluid contained within the tub, said heater being adapted to be attached to a vertical inner surface of the tub wall and to have substantially its entireheating surface in contact with the fluid therein, and means for attaching the heater to the tub wall.

. 2. A washing machine comprising, in combination, a washing tub including an upstanding wall, a fluid heater for supplying heat to a washing fluid contained within the tub, said heater being adapted to be removably attached to a vertical inner surface of the tub wall and to have substantially its entire heating surface in contact with the fluid therein, and'means for removably attaching the heater to the tub wall.

3. A washing machine comprising, in combination, a washing tub including an upstanding wall, a fluid heater for supplying heat to a washing fluid contained within the tub, at least one vacuum cup attached to the heater, said heater being adapted to beremovably attached to the inner surface of the tub wall and to be in contact with the fluid therein, and means including the vacuum cup for removably attaching the heater to the tub wall.

4L An electric water heater for washing Inachines comprising, in combination, an immersion heating element, a tubular supporting base rigidly attached thereto, a plurality of vacuum cups, adapted to connect the heater'to the washing machine, at least one of said vacuum cups b'eing rigidly attached to the base, an insulated electric conductor operatively associated with the heating element, a gasket operatively associated with the conductor, a packing nut operatively associated with the base andgasket for effecting a rigid water-tight connection between the conductor and heating element, a perforated shield rigidly attached to the base adapted to prevent contact with the heating element and to permit the free passage ofwater 'therethrough, and a thermostat operatively associated with the cenductor and heating element for regulating the operation of the heating element.

ing fluid contained within the tub, said heater being adapted to be removably attached to a vertical inner surface of the tub wall and to have substantially its entire heating surface in contact with the fluid therein, and means for removably attaching the heater to the tub wall, an agitator located within said tub, and means comprising the agitator for maintaining a flow of fluid past the heater so that the temperature of the main body of the washing fluid is maintained substantially the same as that of the fluid immediately in contact with the heater.

6. A washing machine comprising, in combination, a washing tub including an upstanding wall, a structure extending substantially vertical- Iy alongside the exterior surface of said wall, a fluid heater disposed alongside the interior surface of said wall, and means for securing both said structure and said heater to said wall.

7. A washing machine comprising, in combination, a washing tub including an upstanding wall, a structure extending substantially vertically alongside the exterior surface of said wall, a fluid heater disposed alongside the interior surface of said wall, said wall having an aperture therein intermediate said structure and said. heater, and means extending through said aperture for securing both said structure and said heater to said wall.

8. In a heating appliance for a clothes washing machine having a tub defined by a bottom wall and an upstanding side wall for retaining washing fluid and having a movable element disposed in the tub for effecting a washing action upon the clothes, said movable element being spaced from said side wall of the tub and said tub having an access opening in its upper portion for the ingress and egress of clothes to be washed, the combination of an elongated heating element having a configuration simulating the inner contour of the side wall of the tub, said heating element .being insertable into the tub and removable therefrom through the access opening in the upper portion of the tub, and means for readily and detachably supporting said heating element in closely spaced relation with the side wall of the tub and clear of-the movable element, said heating element and its supporting means being so arranged that the heating element is entirely confined in the space closelyadiacent the side wall of the tub with substantially its entire heating surface in contact with the washing fluid normally disposed in the tub.

LEOYD L. FRANK BRECKENRIDGE. 

